Universität zu Köln

Rohringer, Hannah ORCID: 0000-0001-7526-8376, Brandt, Steven A., Hildebrand, Elisabeth A. ORCID: 0000-0002-4071-6068 and Vogelsang, Ralf ORCID: 0000-0001-7280-5324 (2025). Technological Variability at Mochena Borago Rockshelter, Ethiopia. A Contribution to Understanding MIS 3 Cultural Change in the Horn of Africa. Journal of African Archaeology, 23 (2). pp. 205-228. Brill. ISSN 1612-1651

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Abstract

Non-Levallois core reduction strategies for producing elongated flakes or blades appear early in the African Middle Stone Age (MSA) but have rarely been studied in detail. In this paper we present a detailed comparative analysis of non-Levallois lithic technologies at Mochena Borago Rockshelter, SW Ethiopia, from strata dating to around 46 to 36 ka, with a focus on the technological solutions and quality of blade production. Although there is an increase in the frequency of laminar production as well as improved technological capabilities over time, the numerical importance of laminar products remains small. Only the youngest assemblages (~39–36 ka) show the beginning of a technological transformation, with clear features of intentional blade production. Several factors may explain this transformative process: functional changes in tool production, raw material availability, climatic change, cultural developments and/or population movements.

Item Type:	Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Rohringer, Hannah UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7526-8376 UNSPECIFIED Brandt, Steven A. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Hildebrand, Elisabeth A. UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4071-6068 UNSPECIFIED Vogelsang, Ralf UNSPECIFIED https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7280-5324 UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-798332
Identification Number:	10.1163/21915784-bja10051
Journal or Publication Title:	Journal of African Archaeology
Volume:	23
Number:	2
Page Range:	pp. 205-228
Number of Pages:	24
Date:	16 December 2025
Publisher:	Brill
ISSN:	1612-1651
Language:	English
Faculty:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > Fächergruppe 2: Archäologie, Altertumskunde und Kulturen des Mittelmeerraums > Institut für Ur- und Frühgeschichte
Subjects:	History of ancient world
['eprint_fieldname_oa_funders' not defined]:	Publikationsfonds UzK
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/79833